The Alliance
The Alliance of Youth Workers Associations (AYWA) is an international non-profit association established in Brussels, Belgium, in 2024. It is a network of National Associations of Youth Workers and Youth Work providers, united to advocate for the recognition, development, and quality of Youth Work in Europe. AYWA works to strengthen the professional status of Youth Workers, promote knowledge exchange, and collaborate with institutions and stakeholders to shape Youth Work policies. Through cooperation and collective action, AYWA supports a stronger, more recognized, and well-equipped Youth Work sector across Europe.
By establishing the Alliance of Youth Workers Associations (AYWA), the founding members aimed to bring together Youth Workers and Youth Work providers from national associations from throughout Europe and beyond, that share a common interest in Youth Workers’ recognition and Youth Work development.
Vision
The Alliance of National Associations of Youth Workers and Youth Work Providers will advocate for Youth Work recognition, development and quality Youth Work in Europe.
Mission
To ensure that the development of Youth Work and Youth Worker profession is guaranteed, valued and recognized in the realities of the member organisations and at the European level.
To implement quality standards and a code of ethics in the Youth Work provisions.
Members of the Alliance of Youth Workers Associations
Founding members
- National Association of Youth Workers – NAPOR, Serbia
- The Estonian Association of Youth Workers, Estonia
- NINFEA, Italy
- Hellenic Youth Workers Association, Greece
- Union for Youth Work, North Macedonia
- APPJuventude – Portuguese Association of Youth Workers, Portugal
- National Association of Professional Child- en Youth Workers, Netherlands
- Federation of Children’s and Youth Municipal Councils, Hungary
- MAY Maltese Association of Youth Workers, Malta
- Czech Streetwork Association, Czech Republic
Members
2025